Sports Weekend

Sports Weekend

The Romanian men’s handball team on Thursday defeated 34-24 Italy in Bolzano, as part of the last fixture of the 2019 World Cup preliminary Group 3. Romania had the lead throughout the entire match, securing a 5-goal advantage before half time. Italy upped its game in the second half, narrowing the goal difference to two goals. Xavier Pascual’s trainees scored several quick goals, putting Romania 10 goals ahead. The topscorer for Romania was Alex Simicu, with 12 goals. In the other group fixture, Ukraine won 30-22 against the Faeroe Islands.

Another two matches are scheduled on Friday: Romania will play the Faeroe Islands while Italy will play Ukraine.

On Saturday, in the Group’s highlight match, Romania will face Ukraine to determine the group winner. Advancing to the playoff phase, which will be held in June, are the winners of the six preliminary groups.

In news volley, the Romanian women’s volley club CSM Volei Alba Blaj on Thursday defeated Developres SkyRes Rzeszow of Poland, 3-nil. The match counted towards the second round of Champions League’s Group A. Romania’s champion dominated the game and ranks first in the group tables, with the maximum number of points, six. The team from Blaj will next play the French champions ASPTT Mulhouse away from home on January 24. The first-ranked team of each group, as well as two teams with the best-ranking in each of the four groups, will advance to the next phase.

The Australian Open has kicked off in Melbourne. This weekend will see preliminary round matches, while the main draw competition will start on Monday. Romania’s Simona Halep is seeded first in the women’s singles. In the first round she will play Destanee Aiava of Australia, a 17-year-old player, currently ranking 193rd in WTA standings. (Translated by V. Palcu)